'England job is the biggest in the world'

Updated 08.57 Fri Nov 30 2007

Keywords: england, sven-goran eriksson, football, sport

Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the England manager's job is the biggest in world football.

Eriksson's tactics and private life were all criticised during his five years as England boss but he doesn't think that should put candidates, including Jose Mourinho off the vacancy.

"The biggest football job in Europe and in the world is to be the England manager" - Sven-Goran Eriksson

He said: "I can understand the clamour for Mourinho. He is colourful and the media love him, so of course I can understand it.

"He has also been very successful, but to be the England manager you must win every game, not do anything in your private life and hopefully not earn too much money! They are the only qualities you need and if you have those, you are perfect.

"I don't want to say that I am supporting Mourinho because I support everyone and it is not my job. But the biggest football job in Europe and in the world is to be the England manager. That is it.

"The Champions League is big and it is fantastic, but to compare it to the World Cup? No chance. The World Cup is, and will be forever, the number one, so to play in the World Cup or be involved as a manager is the biggest by far."